For the third time, a federal judge has agreed to postpone a sentencing hearing for former Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Irvin "Jiff " Hingle, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from a businessman whose company oversaw construction of the parish jail.

Hingle pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bribery.

In court, Hingle said he was wrong for what he did and that it was a "horrible mistake."

Prosecutors recommended 31 months in the case, but U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance said she wouldn't be lenient on the former sheriff, saying his role as a chief law enforcement official is "unacceptable" and felt 46 months was due.